Opinions of Monday, 8 December 2025

Columnist: Dickson Boadi

Ofori Amponsah still has the energy

Boadi Dsickson (L) engaged musician Ofori Amponsah (R) Boadi Dsickson (L) engaged musician Ofori Amponsah (R)

Legendary Ghanaian Highlife singer Ofori Amponsah has once again proven that timeless talent never fades. His latest single, “Waiting”, featuring the lyrical powerhouse King Paluta, is a refreshing reminder that the man known as All 4 Real still carries the passion, creativity and unmatched musical brilliance that shaped an entire generation.

The moment the song begins, listeners are greeted with Ofori Amponsah’s signature soulful tone, a voice that once dominated Ghana’s airwaves and continues to command admiration today.

King Paluta’s energetic performance adds a modern touch, creating a perfect blend of old-school magic and contemporary flair.

A Humble Beginning That Shaped a Legend

Born Samuel Ofori Amponsah in Agogo in the Ashanti Region, his musical gift began showing at a young age. He developed a deep love for melodies, words and poetic expression, turning raw emotions into lyrics long before he stepped into a studio.

His journey changed direction when he met his mentor and musical father, Daddy Lumba. Under Lumba’s guidance, he learned the art of composition, vocal layering and emotional delivery. This mentorship shaped his understanding of music and prepared him for the remarkable career ahead.

His first major appearance came in the late 1990s through Daddy Lumba’s project. By the early 2000s, he launched fully as a solo artist, introducing Ghana to a refreshing, romantic and melodically rich style that quickly won hearts across the country.

The Rise of a Highlife Giant

From the moment he broke out on his own, Ofori Amponsah became the face of a new wave of modern highlife. His songs carried emotion, storytelling and irresistible melodies. He followed his early beginnings with classic albums such as Asew, Meprawo, Rakia and Odwo, each producing unforgettable hits.

His catalogue includes some of the most cherished Ghanaian love songs ever released. Songs like Emmanuella, Otoolege, Cinderella, Broken Heart, Odo Ndwom, Lady, Odwo and his powerful comeback track Alewa continue to live in the hearts of music lovers to this day. His music shaped weddings, heartbreaks, relationships and everyday life for an entire generation.

Awards and Recognition

Ofori Amponsah’s mastery earned him numerous awards and industry respect. At the peak of his career, he swept several categories at the Ghana Music Awards including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, Highlife Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. He once took home multiple awards in a single night, a clear sign of how influential his work was at the time. His dominance in the mid-2000s marked him as one of the most successful and impactful highlife musicians Ghana has ever produced.

Transitions, Growth and a Glorious Return

Like many great artists, Ofori Amponsah’s journey included moments of transformation. In the early 2010s, he stepped away from secular music to pursue gospel ministry, a move that surprised many but showed the depth of his spiritual and emotional reflections. Though his gospel period was short, it added another layer of maturity to his artistry.

He later returned to highlife, embracing the genre that had given him his identity. His return was marked by the hit song Alewa, which reassured fans that he had not lost his magic. Since then, he has remained active, performing with a full band and collaborating with younger artists who grew up admiring his timeless style.

“Waiting” — A Clear Reminder of His Excellence

His new single “Waiting” is proof that Ofori Amponsah’s gift remains intact. The song combines poetic storytelling, emotional depth, classic highlife rhythms and a refreshing modern touch from King Paluta. Waiting explores themes of love, longing and emotional maturity, all delivered with the soothing sincerity that has defined Ofori Amponsah’s career. It is a confident reminder that true artistry does not fade with time.

A Living Legend Still in His Prime

Ofori Amponsah’s musical journey is a testament to endurance, evolution and passion. His songs shaped Ghanaian music culture, influenced countless artists and became a soundtrack to the lives of many. With Waiting, he proves once again that he is not simply a legend of the past but a powerful force in the present.

Indeed, Ofori Amponsah still has the energy, and he continues to live up to his name, All 4 Real.

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